Sorry for the very basic question.

I switched over to the hottop B panel and plan on installing BT and ET probes next. I like the idea of tracking temp curves on the computer.

I have been reading threads about roasting software, dataloggers, seeing the graphs but don't get how it is actually physically connected.

Does one have to purchase a specific datalogger that has a USB input to communicate with the software? Do you plug the thermocouples directly into a port?

I want to avoid purchasing something wrong or something I may not need.

I am using a mac (if that affects the answer).

Thanks as always.

Others may chime in on a datalogger with mac support. I don't know of any offhand.

This device will accept 3 K thermocouples and saves the data in Excel format on an SD card, which should let you read it on any platform but not in real time.
http://www.microdaq.com/extech/temperat...logger.php

You could try running Windows software under an emulator on the mac, but for the most part the software is often barely functional in a native PC environment, having problems with certain COM / USB / Windows versions. I know a fellow who keeps an old XP laptop just to datalog.

This thread about the Artisan software application has a lot of useful information about data loggers.

Artisan will run on your Mac and supports a variety of USB-connected instruments.

There is also an open source 4-channel thermometer/logger developed by the Homeroasters.org community here. The TC4 system also has applications that run on the Mac.

You may also want to have a look at RoasterThing, here. I believe there is an associated hardware option.

Jim

There's lots of information out there, but nothing I would call comprehensive. I'll try to put something together tonight.

I'm far from done, but I thought I'd share what I've done so far.

My plan is to take it all the way through the first roast and include pictures of my setup.

Thank you, UltramaticOrange !

Hi.

You can also get a data logger with a serial (RS232) connector. But since the Mac only uses usb ports, you need an extra piece of hardware called RS232-usb converter. This piece needs its own Mac driver. For example, this HH506RA (with RS232 interface) will work in Mac and Artisan but you will need and extra piece of hardware called an RS232-ubs converter (but needs to come with Mac drivers).

Cheers

Not all RS232-COMM converters work with all USB chipset flavors.
This http://www.iogear.com/product/GUC232A/ has never failed with any PC or laptop tested

As I type, an extraordinary good deal is available on the Amprobe TMD-56 thermocouple datalogger @ $119.00 DELIVERED from here: http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/index.htm . For those with keen eyes, it is essentially identical to the Omega HH806AU which would run you over double this price.

That's a really good deal. Sadly, I noticed this small detail:

Included Accessories:

1 - Users manual
4 - Batteries
2 - K-type thermocouple
1 - USB Wireless Antenna
1 - Software CD

That would mean that it is equivalent to the wireless Omega HH806, which makes it not compatible with the artisan app (the wireless Omega HH806 is not compatible). Plus, the supplied usb antenna probably comes with drivers for only Windows.